- Amber Africa, a 16-year-old from Kuils River, served as a catcher in Africa’s first-ever women’s baseball international series held in Gauteng.
- She played a role in the junior team’s success, winning all five matches.
- The competition took place from 23 to 25 August.
It was a significant milestone for baseball and women’s sport when South Africa’s senior and u-18 women’s baseball teams competed in Africa’s first-ever women’s baseball international series against Zimbabwe in Boksburg, Gauteng from 23 to 25 August.
One of the women who participated in the historic series is 16-year-old Amber Africa from Kuils River Cardinals who was selected as catcher for the junior side that won all five their matches.
Amber, a former learner of Rouxville Primary School and currently in grade 11 at Hottentots-Holland High School in Somerset West, is not exactly a seasoned baseball player.
Amber’s mother, Aurelia Africa said her daughter, who also captained the first-ever Western Cape u-18 women’s baseball team earlier this year, has always enjoyed sport. In primary school, she participated in netball, soccer, and athletics.
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Currently, Amber competes in drum majorettes and plays both softball and baseball.
Less than a week after returning from the baseball series in Gauteng she competed at the Western Cape Majorettes and Cheerleading Championships this past Saturday – and made the cut, her mom proudly shared.
Aurelia who herself has played softball since childhood – and still plays “on and off” for Kuils River Cougars, said Amber started playing softball and baseball around the same time.
“The baseball season runs from October to March, and the 2023/2024 season was only Amber’s second”. She played in a mixed (boys and girls) side at Cardinals.
Dedication
It is clear the baseball bug had bitten. “If she is not practicing, she likes to watch the American College Series,” Aurelia said.
What the future holds for Amber that has mentioned she wants to be a lawyer remains to be seen.
“She has leadership capabilities and a heart for people,” Aurelia said of her child who sometimes asks her to pack more food so Amber can give to others.
Aurelia said there’s a lot of discipline in drummies. The drummies at HHH also have a strenuous training programme. She is impressed by Amber’s level of maturity and dedication. Even after a long day Amber will still ask to see a video to check where she made mistakes, said Aurelia.
Danielle Lewis, public relations officer of Kuils River Cougars Softball Club said Amber is known for her never-say-die attitude, discipline, and tenacity. “Her story is a mix of grit, talent, and smashing stereotypes in a sport where ladies have long been side-lined.”
Lewis said Amber just loves competing – no matter the sport. “She put in the sweat and tears, practicing like a pro both on the field and off.”
